Networked camera system and a monitoring method thereof

ABSTRACT

In a networked camera system and a monitoring method thereof, each networked camera has camera information for discriminating the respective apparatus, and an index server, registering the camera information of the respective networked cameras therein, makes search for connection information to the networked camera corresponding thereto, responding to a monitoring target required from the networked monitor, upon the basis of the camera information registered, thereby transmitting it to the networked monitor. The networked monitor connects to a predetermined networked camera upon the basis of the connection information, so as to request a picked-up picture therefrom, thereby displaying the picture transmitted from the networked camera. The networked camera and the networked monitor make transmission of the picked-up picture through the mutual connection therebetween, but without passing through the index server. Therefore, the networked camera system and a monitoring method thereof can be provided, in which everybody can set up the camera easily, so as to display a picture desired with easy operation, and further is high in immediacy and stability thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a networked camera system, inwhich networked monitoring cameras and observation monitors areconnected through a network, and it also relates to a monitoring methodthereof, as well as, an index server, a networked camera and a networkedmonitor.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Conventionally, networked monitoring cameras are widely used,ordinarily, for example, for the purpose of protection against crimes,observation of traffic condition, etc. As such, there is already known anetworked camera system, in which monitoring cameras, image receiverterminals, a data base or a server for storing therein positioninformation of the cameras, etc., and a base station for providinginformation, and so on, are connected with, respectively, through anetwork, for example, in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2001-155289(2001) <hereinafter, called by a Patent Document 1>. The inventiondisclosed in this Patent Document is a system enabling to obtain realtime image information, such as, the detailed traffic information, etc.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] However, with such the system as is disclosed in the PatentDocument 1, the pictures or images from the networked cameras aremonitored through the database for storing the information, such as,camera information, or the like, the server for managing theinformation, and/or the base station for providing the information. Forthis reason, the server and/or the base station bear considerable heavyload thereon, in particular, on image transmission of the pictures fromthe networked cameras, so as to deal with connection requirements formonitoring, etc., for example, and therefore the information to be dealtwith in the server and/or the base station comes to be massive in anamount thereof, as the number of users and/or the number of thenetworked cameras increase up. As a result of this, the processingcapacity is lowered, remarkably; therefore it is impossible to transmitthe picture or image in real-time. In the worst case, it can beconsidered that the server and/or the base station crash down. If so, itis insufficient for the monitoring system, by which an urgent case mustbe considered, such as, when the crime is committed, for example. Also,it may be possible to dissolve such the problem, for example, byenhancing the processing capacity or increasing the number of theservers, etc., however it takes costs, too much. Also, there is nodescription about new registration of a camera into the server and/orthe base station, therefore it cannot be said that the system disclosedtherein can be used, easily for everyone through an open network.

[0006] An object, according to the present invention, being achieved bytaking the problems of the conventional art mentioned above into theconsideration, is to provide a monitoring system of low cost.

[0007] For dissolving such the problems mentioned above, according tothe present invention, there is provided a networked camera system,comprising: a plural number of networked cameras; a networked monitor;an index server; and a network, wherein said cameras, said monitor andsaid server are connected, respectively, through said network, formonitoring a picture transmitted from said networked camera on saidnetworked monitor, and wherein each of said networked cameras comprises:a memory for memorizing networked camera information for discriminatingthe networked cameras, respectively; an image pickup element for pickingup the picture; and a transmitter for transmitting said picturepicked-up to said networked monitor upon receipt of a connection requestfrom said networked monitor, said index server comprises: a register forregistering the networked camera information of each of said networkedcameras; a search unit for searching connection information to thenetworked camera corresponding thereto, depending upon a monitoringobject transmitted from said networked monitor, with using the networkedcamera information registered in said register; and a transmitter fortransmitting said connection information searched to said networkedmonitor, said networked monitor comprises: a transmitter fortransmitting said monitoring object to said index server; a connectionrequest unit for connecting to a predetermined networked camera andrequesting the picture picked-up, upon basis of the connectioninformation transmitted from said index server; and a display fordisplaying the picture transmitted from said networked camera thereon,and said networked camera and said networked monitor transmits thepicture picked-up through connection to each other. With applying suchthe structure therein, URL or the like, being the networked camerainformation of the networked cameras, and also the position informationthereof are stored in the index server, with relating to each other.With this, it is possible to manage the networked camera information,integrally or totally, and also to make the search for the networkedcamera, on which a user desires to monitor, easy. Also, since thenetworked camera and the networked monitor conduct the transmission ofthe picture through the mutual connection therebetween, without passingthrough the index server, therefore the index server bears no loadthereupon, thereby achieving the stability and the immediacy thereof.

[0008] Also, according to the present invention, there is also provideda networked camera system, comprising: a plural number of networkedcameras; a networked monitor; an index server; and a network, whereinsaid cameras, said monitor and said server are connected, respectively,through said network, for monitoring a picture transmitted from saidnetworked camera on said networked monitor, and wherein each of saidnetworked cameras has networked camera information for discriminatingsaid networked cameras, respectively, and networked camera informationof other networked camera, and comprises: an image pickup element forpicking up the picture; a first search unit for searching connectioninformation of requiring monitor from the networked camera informationof said other networked camera upon receipt of a request of saidnetworked monitor; and a transmitter for transmitting said picked-upmonitor picture and the connection information searched out by means ofsaid first search unit, to said networked monitor, upon receipt of arequest from said networked monitor, said index server comprises: aregister for registering the networked camera information of each ofsaid networked cameras; a second search unit for searching connectioninformation to the networked camera corresponding to the request of saidnetworked monitor from said networked camera information registered; anda transmitter for transmitting said connection information searched tosaid networked monitor, said networked monitor comprises: a transmitterfor transmitting said monitoring object to said index server; aconnection request unit for connecting to a networked camera, to which ause requires monitoring, from the connection information transmittedfrom said index server or the connection information transmitted fromsaid networked camera, thereby requesting a monitor picture thereto; acontroller unit for controlling destination of connection by saidconnection request unit; and a display for displaying the monitorpicture transmitted from said networked camera thereon, and saidnetworked camera and said networked monitor transmits the picturepicked-up through connection to each other, and exchange to thenetworked camera requiring the monitoring is conducted by said firstsearch unit and said transmitter of said networked camera. Thus, thesecond search unit mentioned above has such the structure, that itsearches out the connection information to the networked camera upon thebasis of the monitoring target transmitted from said networked monitor,and that said networked monitor receives the monitor picture transmittedfrom said networked camera without passing through said index server.With applying such the structure therein, URL or the like, being thenetworked camera information of the networked cameras, and also theposition information thereof are stored in the index server, withrelating to each other. With this, it is possible to manage thenetworked camera information, integrally or totally, and also to makethe search for the networked camera, on which a user desires to monitor,easy. Also, since the networked camera and the networked monitor conductthe transmission of the picture through the mutual connectiontherebetween, without passing through the index server, therefore theindex server bears no load thereupon, thereby achieving the stabilityand the immediacy thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0009] Those and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more readily apparent from the following detaileddescription when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawingswherein:

[0010]FIG. 1 is a block diagram for showing an embodiment of a networkedcamera system, according to the present invention;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a block diagram for showing an example of the structureof a networked camera shown in FIG. 1;

[0012]FIG. 3 is a block diagram for showing an example of the structureof an index server shown in FIG. 1;

[0013]FIG. 4 is a block diagram for showing an example of the structureof a networked monitor shown in FIG. 1;

[0014]FIG. 5 is a block diagram for showing an example of the structureof a storage shown in FIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 6 is a flowchart for showing a basic operation of the systemshown in FIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 7 is a view for showing an example of networked camerainformation shown in FIG. 6;

[0017]FIG. 8 is a view for showing an example of connection informationshown in FIG. 6;

[0018]FIG. 9 shows a flowchart for showing other operation with usingthe system shown in FIG. 1;

[0019]FIG. 10 is a block diagram for showing the networked camerasystem, according to other embodiment of the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 11 is a flowchart for showing an operation of the systemshown in FIG. 10;

[0021]FIG. 12 is a view for showing an example of a monitoring contract,with using the system shown in FIG. 10;

[0022]FIG. 13 is a view for showing an example, where an object ofmonitoring is caught by means of a sensor of the networked camera;

[0023]FIG. 14 is a view for showing an example of information of theobject of monitoring;

[0024]FIG. 15 is a view for showing an example of image processing onthe networked camera picture;

[0025]FIG. 16 is a view for showing a linkage monitoring, with using aplural number of networked cameras;

[0026]FIG. 17 is an example of image on a primary monitor of the linkagemonitoring;

[0027]FIG. 18 is a view for showing a method for producing a planepicture from a fish-eye lens;

[0028]FIG. 19 is a view for showing a mapping of locations of thenetworked cameras on a map;

[0029]FIG. 20 is a view for showing an example of an early-warningmonitoring system, for suspicious persons;

[0030]FIG. 21 shows a flowchart for showing processing, when producing arecord and/or an album with using the pictures, in the present networkedcamera system;

[0031]FIG. 22 shows a flowchart for showing processing, when makingcommunication by using the pictures, in the present networked camerasystem;

[0032]FIG. 23 is a view for showing an example of accounting in thepresent networked camera system;

[0033]FIG. 24 is a view for showing an example, where a neighborinformation holder device is attached onto the network camera;

[0034]FIG. 25 is a flowchart for showing a basic flow, in particular, ina case when the neighbor information holder device is attached onto thenetwork camera;

[0035]FIG. 26 shows an example of an information table held in theneighbor information holder device; and

[0036]FIG. 27 also shows an example of the information table held in theneighbor information holder device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention willbe fully explained by referring to the attached drawings.

[0038]FIG. 1 is a view for showing an embodiment of a networked camerasystem according to the present invention. A reference numeral 100indicates a network, 101 a networked camera, 103 a networked observationmonitor for displaying an image or picture from the networked camera,and 104 a storage for storing video/audio of the networked camera. Areference numeral 102 indicates an index server for registeringconnection information of the networked camera, the networked monitor,and/or the storage on the network, thereby conducting search on eachterminal.

[0039]FIG. 2 is the structure view of the networked camera 101 shown inFIG. 1. A reference numeral 201 depicts a CPU (Central Processing Unit),202 a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and a microphone. A reference numeral203 depicts a recording unit, which is constructed with a RAM (RandomAccess Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a hard disk, etc., and itis used for recording therein video/audio, temporary, recording of data,and execution of programs. A reference numeral 204 depicts acommunication interface for making a connection with the network. Areference numeral 205 depicts a sensor for use of detection of anobject, and it detects that the object exists in the vicinity orneighbor of the sensor, or that the object is moving, or that the objectradiates a specific radio wave therefrom, by detecting the radio wave ofa specific frequency, a specific signal, and/or radio waves of strengthbeing equal or greater than a certain value. However, the detectingmethod thereof should not be restricted only to those mentioned above. Areference numeral 206 depicts a display apparatus and a speaker, whichdisplays a picture thereon and/or outputs a visual signal, such as, anelectric bulb and so on, and also an alarming sound therefrom. Thenetworked camera is able to take, not only the moving picture, but alsoa static picture, by means of the CCD, thereby to transmit them.

[0040]FIG. 3 is the structure view of the index server 102 shown inFIG. 1. A reference numeral 301 depicts a CPU for use in controllingthat apparatus, 302 a recording unit, which is constructed with a RAM, aROM and/or a hard disk, etc., thereby to be used for the database, whichis constructed with tables of information or the like, or others, suchas, for recording of data and/or for execution of programs, etc. Areference numeral 303 depicts an input unit, and it is used whenconducting an operation, such as, maintenance of the index server,together with an output unit 304. A reference numeral 305 depicts acommunication interface for making a connection with the network. As theindex server can be used a general server or a PC (Personal Computer).

[0041]FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of the networked monitor 103 shownin FIG. 1. A reference numeral 401 depicts a CPU for use in controllingthe apparatus, 402 a recording unit, which is constructed with a RAM, aROM and/or a hard disk, etc., thereby to be used for temporaryreservation of the pictures received, or others, such as, for recordingdata, and/or for executing programs, etc. A reference numeral 403 is aninput unit, and it is an input apparatus to be used, in particular, whenmaking operations on buttons for giving informing to the networkedcamera or an object, having a contract for monitoring on the networkedmonitor that is taken in by means of the networked camera or themicrophone, or for conducting operations, such as, maintenance of thecamera for taking a picture and/or the networked monitor, etc., forexample. A reference numeral 404 is an output unit (a display unit) isused for displaying the video and the audio transmitted from thenetworked camera, or for displaying information of, such as, thenetworked camera, the object and/or a map, etc., or when conductingoperation, such as, for maintenance on the networked camera, etc. Areference numeral 405 is a communication interface for making aconnection with the network. As the networked monitor can be used ageneral server or a PC (Personal Computer).

[0042]FIG. 5 is the structure view of the storage 104 shown in FIG. 1. Areference numeral 501 depicts a CPU for use of controlling theapparatus, 502 a recording unit, which is constructed with a RAM, a ROMand/or a hard disk, etc., thereby to be used for temporary reservationof the pictures received, or others, such as, for recording data and/orexecuting programs, etc. A reference numeral 503 depicts an input unit,and it is used when conducting operations, such as, maintenance of thestorage, etc., together with an output unit of 504. A reference numeral505 is a communication interface for making a connection with thenetwork. As the storage can be used a general server or a PC (PersonalComputer).

[0043]FIG. 6 is a flowchart for showing basic operation of the networkedcamera system shown in FIG. 1. In a camera information registration step601 for registering information of the camera, the networked cameratransmits the networked camera information to the index server (611),and the index server reserves the networked camera information therein(612). Detailed example of the networked camera information will bementioned later.

[0044] In a monitoring object searching step 620, the networked monitorrequests a search for a monitoring object to the index server (621). Themonitoring object is, such as, an ID of a specific networked cameraand/or a road/area, etc., on which the monitoring is required, and theabove-mentioned networked camera information is held therein, as it is,or together with an index of the information relating thereto. If in theinformation of the monitoring object search request is included searchkeys for those indexes, it is possible to make a search for themonitoring object. The index server makes a search, upon basis of theinformation of the monitoring object search, which is received (622). Asa result of the search, if one or more networked cameras is/aredetected, then the process advances into a next step, however if nonetworked camera can be detected, the present process is ended. Next, ina connection information transmission step 630, such as, an ID or URL(Uniform Resource Locator), etc., (hereinafter, “connectioninformation”) of the networked camera(s) detected in the step 622, istransmitted to the networked monitor (631). The networked monitorreceives the connection information (632).

[0045] In a connection step 640, the networked monitor transmits aconnection request to a predetermined networked camera (641). Thenetworked camera, responding to the request, advances the process to thenext step when allowing the connection (642). When not allowing theconnection, the present process is ended. The case, where the connectionis allowed, is for example, when the ID of the networked monitor at theorigination of the connection request is allowed to be connected to thenetworked camera, and the allowance is made in the similar process of alogin into a general network or the PC, etc., through, such as,certifying a password, the number of users connecting at the same time,etc. On the other hand, when not allowed, the process is also similarthereto. Next, in the picture transmission step 650, the networkedcamera and the networked monitor are connected with each other, andtherefore the networked camera transmits the video/audio or the like tothe networked monitor, but not through the index server (651). Thenetworked monitor reproduces/displays the video/audio received (652). Upto the above, all the flows are ended. However, any one of the steps maybe operated in non-synchronism with, or any one of the steps may beoperated, repetitively. The processing in those network system alsocorresponds to the non-synchronism, the repetition and the ending on theway, in the similar manner, in the flowchart thereafter.

[0046]FIG. 7 shows the detailed contents of the networked camerainformation mentioned in FIG. 6. A reference numeral 701 is the ID ofthe networked camera. A reference numeral 702 is the ID indicative of apossession of the networked camera. Reference numerals 703 and 704indicate the latitude and the longitude of the networked camera,respectively. A reference numeral 705 indicates a zip number or code atthe location of the networked camera. A reference numeral 706 indicatesan ID of the road on which the networked camera is provided. A referencenumeral 707 indicates a starting point of the road where the networkedcamera is provided. A reference numeral 708 is the URL indicative of thelocation of the networked camera on the network. The reference numerals701 and 702 are the IDS identifying the networked camera and the ownerthereof, and the reference numerals from 703 to 708 are data indicativeof the location of the networked cameras, on the geography and on thenetwork. With using the information, it is possible to make a search onthe networked camera from the position of the monitoring object.

[0047]FIG. 8 shows the detailed contents of the connection informationmentioned in FIG. 6. A reference numeral 801 indicates an ID of thenetworked camera. Reference numerals 802 to 806 indicate the latitude,the longitude, the zip number or code, the road ID, and the roadposition of the networked camera, respectively, and any one of those isdata, being indicative of the position on the geography. A reference 807is data indicative of the position of the networked camera on thenetwork. With using the information, the networked monitor is able touse the position information for displaying the networked camera, suchas, a map on the networked monitor, or can be connected to the networkedcamera on the network. Other than those, for example, the networkedmonitor registers the IDS of the said networked monitors in the indexserver upon receipt of the contract and/or a certificate in advance, andfurther it may gives a special keyword, such as a password, for example,to the present connection information.

[0048] Next, explanation will be given on an information table held inthe index server 102. Within the index server is held the connectioninformation in the form of database, however also said connectioninformation may hold others, such as, a list of IDs of the networkedmonitors from which un-processed picture can be obtained, a list of IDsof the networked monitors from which processed picture can be obtained,and a list of IDs of the networked monitors through which no picture canbe obtained. Also, for give it to the connection information, it is alsopossible for the index server to hold a password for obtaining anun-processed picture or a password for obtaining the processed picture.

[0049] Next, explanation will be given on the connection to thenetworked camera. With the connection having no limitation, thenetworked camera transmits a picture to the networked monitor when itrequires the picture, however with the connection having a limitationthereon, the picture is transmitted, for example, when the ID of thenetworked monitor held in the networked camera is coincident with the IDof the networked monitor requesting the connection, while the connectionis rejected when they are not. Also, in the case where the connection ismade, it may be possible to transmit the un-processed picture dependentupon the ID of the networked monitor, or to transmit the processedpicture, or to reject the connection. In the similar manner, it is alsopossible to use the password in the place of the IDs. In this case, thenetworked monitor makes the connection by using the password describedin the connection information, which is obtained from the index server.In this instance, the networked camera may transmit the un-processedpicture or the processed one, depending upon the password.

[0050]FIG. 9 shows a flow chart for transmitting a monitored picture, inparticular, in the case when the networked camera or the owner thereofmakes a monitoring contract with the networked monitor. In a step 920for requesting a monitoring, the networked camera transmits a requestfor monitoring to the networked monitor (921). Upon receipt of therequest for monitoring, the networked monitor shifts into a next step(922). In a step 930 for searching the monitoring object, the networkedmonitor transmits a search request for the monitoring object to theindex server (931), and the index server makes a search on themonitoring object. In a step 940 for transmitting the connectioninformation, the index server transmits the connection information, froma result of the search (941), and the networked monitor conducts theconnection in the next step upon the basis of the connection informationreceived. Though, the steps 930 and 940 are necessary when no connectioninformation is received in the monitoring request step 920, they may beomitted if the information corresponding to the connection informationcan be received in the step 920. In a step 950 for connecting to thenetworked camera, the networked monitor transmits the connection requestto the networked camera (951), while the networked camera allows theconnection in the case when the networked monitor requesting theconnection is one, which can be connected with. The networked monitorthat can be connected with is the such that, for example, it ispermitted to connect with when the same password is contained in theconnection information, including therein the password in the networkedcamera information in the step 910, or when only the connection requestfrom that networked monitor is allowed while obtaining the IDs of thenetworked monitors requesting the monitoring from the networked monitorin the step 920, or when allowing the connection requests from all ofthe networked monitors. Next, in a step 960 for image transmission, thenetworked camera transmits the video/audio to the networked monitor(961). Receiving the video/audio, etc., the networked monitor reproducesand/or displays them (962). Up to the above, all of the flows end.However, any one of the steps may be operated in non-synchronism with,or any one of the steps may be operated, repetitively.

[0051] The monitoring contact between the networked camera mentionedabove and the networked monitor may be made on the basis of the locationinformation of the networked cameras. For example, in a case where asection A of a city X and the networked monitor make the monitoringcontract therebetween, and in particular, when all of the networkedcameras in the section A are subject of the monitoring contract, themonitoring contract covering the area can be made by using the zip codescontained in the networked camera information, to be a condition ofsearching the monitoring object. Also, it may be such the contact ofobserving all of the cameras, which can be searched out by the keyword,while registering the same keyword, such as, a random number of twenty(20) digits, in the networked camera information of the networkedcameras in the areas. With the monitoring contract on those areas, theremay be one, including all of the networked cameras having the samekeyword in the monitoring contract, or one making up the monitoringcontract by loosing the searching condition of the networked camerainformation by, such as, designating the zip code up to only the upperfive (5) digits in the searching condition, for example, or one makingup the monitoring contract by using the IDs and the URLs of all thenetworked cameras.

[0052]FIG. 10 is a view for showing other embodiment of the networkedcamera system according to the present invention, in which monitoring ismade on a specific object, such as, a person or a car, etc., as asubject thereof. A reference numeral 1000 indicates a network, 1001 anetworked camera, 1002 an index server, which is used for indicating thelocation of the networked camera and a storage on the network and alsofor holding various information tables therein, thereby facilitating asearch between respective terminals, 1003 an apparatus for displayingthereon an image of the networked camera or a monitor for displayingthereon the apparatus and a person, and 1004 a storage for storingtherein video/audio taken by the networked camera and the positioninformation, etc. An object 1011 and the networked camera 1001 candetect that, both of them lie in the neighborhood with each other bymaking communication through communication apparatuses 1021 and 1022.Those communication apparatuses are same to a radio wave receiver foruse of sensing and a sensor for use of sensing, respect9vely, which willbe explained by referring to FIG. 13, or it is also possible to use anykind of apparatus for detecting that they lie in the neighborhood witheach other. Also, the storage 1004 may be omitted if it is not necessaryto reserve the video or image therein.

[0053]FIG. 11 shows a flowchart for conducting a monitoring contract bymaking the object as to be the subject. In a step 1110, the networkedcamera transmits the networked camera information to the index server(1111). The index server registers the networked camera informationtherein (1112). In a step 1120, a monitoring contract is made betweenthe object and the networked monitor (1121, 1122). An example of themonitoring contact will be explained by referring to FIG. 12. In a step1130, detection is made on the position of the object (1131, 1132). Thedetection of position of the object will be explained by referring toFIG. 13. With the detection of position of the object, the position ofthe object is specified. In a step 1140, the networked camera transmitsthe position information of the object to the index server (1141). Uponreceipt of the position information of the object, the index serverregisters it therein (1142). In a step 1150, the networked monitorrequests a search for the object, as the monitoring target, to the indexserver, upon the basis of the monitoring contract (1151). Upon themonitoring contract, the index server makes a search on the object(1152). In the search of the object, the networked camera is searchedout, which is capturing the position of the object and the image of theobject, by using the object information registered in the index server.In a step 1160, the connection information to the networked camera,which is searched out in the search, is transmitted to the networkedmonitor (1161), and the networked monitor starts a next step uponreceipt of the connection information (1162). In a step 1170, thenetworked monitor makes a request of connection to the networked camera(1171), and the networked camera allows the connection if the networkedmonitor can connect with (1172). In a step 1180, the networked cameratransmits the video/audio (1181), and the networked monitor makesreproduction/display thereof (1182). Up to the above, all of the flowsend. However, any one of the steps may be operated in non-synchronismwith, or any one of the steps may be operated, repetitively. Further, itis also possible for the networked camera or the networked monitor orthe object, to select between a moving picture and a static picture,when the networked camera transmits the video. This may be made upon thebasis of the monitoring contact, or may be set up at a radio waveterminal, which is held by the object, so as to be transmitted to thenetworked monitor when sensing. Or in the case where movement occursfrequently between the networked cameras, for example, during themovement by means of a car, etc., it is also possible that the networkedmonitor or the networked camera detects it, thereby designatingtransmission of the static picture.

[0054] Also, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, though the steps are insuch that, search for the object is made on the index server through thesearching by means of the networked monitor, and the connectioninformation is transmitted to the networked monitor, however it is alsopossible that the networked monitor registers a portion of the objectinformation, such as, an object ID of the search target into the indexserver or the networked camera, in advance, then the connectioninformation is transmitted to the networked monitor when the indexserver or the networked camera detects the said object. In this case,the step 1151 in the steps 1150 comes to “monitoring object informationtransmission”, and the step 1152 therein to “monitoring objectregistration”. Also, the step 1161 starts the operation thereof upondetection of the monitoring object registered.

[0055]FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of an example of the monitoringcontract. Reference numerals 1201 to 1205 indicate names of themonitoring contacts. Also, reference numerals 1211 to 1214 are themonitoring contacts depending upon the locations, and reference numerals1215 to 1217 are the monitoring contracts depending upon times. Areference numeral 1218 indicates fee for every month, for the monitoringcontacts. For example, a reference numeral 1201 is a “safety pack” inthe title thereof, and the monitoring is conducted only during theday-time and the night-time in a busy street, such as, a downtown area,and a suburb area. The fee is 3,000 yen per a month. As such themonitoring contact can be listed up, in the followings: for example, amonitoring contract, which is executed at a constant distance from ahome, or a monitoring contact, which is executed only on a road from thehome to a business place, a monitoring contract, in which time forstarting and time for ending can be designated onto the monitoring, amonitoring contract, in which designation is made by the ages and thedistinction of sex, but without designating the ID of the object, and amonitoring contract, which is executed on all members of a family, etc.And, also other than those, there can be considered such a monitoringcontract, in which the monitoring target includes the networked camerabeing in the vicinity of the nearest networked camera of the object, orin which the monitoring target further includes the networked cameraexisting in the vicinity of that networked camera, etc., for example.

[0056]FIG. 13 is an explanatory view for position detection of theobject. Reference numerals 1301 and 1302 indicate networked cameras,1303 and 1304 the objects, each holding an apparatus or device forreceiving a radio wave for use of sensing, or an apparatus foridentifying the position thereof, such as, a GPS, etc. Also, a referencenumeral 1311 indicates an area where the networked camera 1301 canmonitor, while 1312 an area where the networked camera 1302 can monitor.The area where the monitoring can be made means an area where thepicture or image obtained is equal or greater than a preset value in theresolution thereof, or the like, and it is composed of exchangeablevalues, such as, a brightness, weather, time and other factors, forexample. For example, in a case where the resolution of the picture maybe low, the area where the monitoring can be made is widen, on thecontrary in a case where a high resolution power is needed, the areawhere the monitoring can be made is narrowed. A reference numeral 1322indicates a region where the radio wave for use of sensing the networkedcamera can reach (hereinafter, being called by “sensing region”). Theradio wave for use of sensing can be narrowed in the reachable areathereof by bringing the radio wave of the networked camera side to havea directivity, in particular, in a case of the radio wave communicationenabling to find each other automatically, among the radio wavecommunications enabling to communicate with each other, for example.Also, it is possible to weaken the radio wave in an output thereof, orto use infrared rays instead of the radio waves. Furthermore, it is alsopossible to replace the region where the radio wave for use of sensingcan reach to, by capturing the position information more correctly withusing a GPS (Global Positioning System) and transmitting it to the indexserver and the networked camera. In this instance, for example, when theobject 1303 enters into the area 1321, it means that the networkedcamera detects the object. With those methods, the object entering intothe sensing region can be detected by means of the networked camera.Upon detection of the object, the networked camera transmits the objectinformation to the index server. The index server, holding the tables ofthe object information, which will be explained by referring to FIG. 14,detects change of the object information, and thereby executes the step940 with using the connection information of the networked cameralocated where the object is existing. The change of the objectinformation means, such as, that change occurs in the existence of theobject within the sensing region of the networked camera, for example.Further, in an inside and an outside of a circle in the figure, viceversa.

[0057]FIG. 14 shows a table of the object information, which is held inthe index server. In the present table, object information of three (3)pieces of the objects is described therein. The object information iscomposed of an object ID 1401, and an ID of the networked camera 1402.With this, it is possible for the index server to know which objectexists, in which sensing region of the networked camera. Also, as theobject information on the index server, it is possible to hold the ID ofthe networked monitor, which enables to search out the objectinformation, and/or a password, etc., together with the objectinformation on the index server, in the similar manner to the table ofthe connection information. In this case, it is possible to restrict thenetworked monitors that can search out the object information.

[0058]FIG. 15 is an explanatory view of the video processing on thepicture or image of the networked camera. A reference numeral 1501indicates the picture before processing, while 1502 the picture afterprocessing. In general, the picture of the networked camera can beclassified into a background and an object. Generally, the background isstill, but ordinarily, the object moves. For this reason, a movingpicture portion is extracted, and the video processing, such as, amosaic is treated on that moving picture portion, thereby it is possibleto make processing on it in such a degree, that the object cannot bediscriminated on a face, etc. Since this processing enables to bring theobject of 1511 into the picture being obscure, as shown by 1512, it ispossible to protect privacy. Also, the video processing can be made,selectively, depending upon the connection request of the networkedmonitor 641, 951 or 1171. For example, if an ID of the object isincluded in the connection request of the networked monitor, and if theobject corresponding thereto exists in the sensing region of thenetworked monitor, the picture is transmitted without conducting thevideo processing thereon, but if not included the ID correspondingthereto, the picture is transmitted with conducting the video processingthereon.

[0059] The networked monitor can transmit the audio and/or video, aswell as, a signal, with using a microphone and a camera. For example,when a sound “Stop” is pronounced toward the microphone, it is producedfrom a speaker, which is built within the networked camera. Also, analarm button is pushed down on the networked monitor, a buzzer, which isbuilt within the networked camera, breaks into sound. Also, pushing-downon an information button may reports it to a police or a securitycompany, for example.

[0060]FIG. 16 is an explanatory view for showing the monitoring by meansof a plural number of the networked monitors. The picture of thenetworked camera 1601 is transmitted to the networked monitor 1611, butdue to operation of the networked monitor, etc., the destination oftransmission can be shifted to the networked monitor 1612. As a methodfor shifting the destination of transmission, for example, theconnection information is transmitted to the networked monitor 1612, ora request for continuing monitoring operation to the networked monitor1612, etc., and then the monitor 1612 transmits the connection requestto the networked camera 1601, thereby enabling to succeed the monitoringoperation. In this instance, if it is during the monitoring on theobject, the object information can be transmitted. For example, in acase where a watcher of the networked monitor 1611 is a person who doesnot know the culture in the country of the networked camera 1601, and ifhe/she cannot decide to push down a police button or not, the monitoringoperation is taken over to a networked monitor 1612, which is operatedby a watcher who knows the culture of the country, where the networkedcameral 1601 exists, well. Also, when an accident, or the like, occurson the networked camera 1611, it can be taken over to the othernetworked monitor, easily, in the similar manner. Also, the succeedingnetworked monitor may speak to the speaker, which is built within thenetworked camera 1601, or further the succeeding networked monitor maytelephone to the telephone number of the object, which is described inthe object information.

[0061]FIG. 17 shows an example of the image or picture displayed on thenetworked monitor 1611, in a case where the monitoring is made by theplural number of the networked monitors shown in FIG. 16. The presentexample shows a case where the networked monitor exists in a countryother than that where the networked camera exists, and wherein themonitoring is made on four (4) pieces of the objects, at the same time.Reference numerals 1701 to 1704 indicate the screens, showing theobjects thereon, respectively, and 1703 indicates that the object is notcaptured by three (3) pieces of horizontal lines since the object doesnot enters into the sensing region. Also, a reference numeral 711 is abutton on the screen, for the purpose of changing the distributiondestination of the picture to the networked monitor 1612, or givinginformation thereto, when it is impossible to deal with, or to makedecision on this networked monitor. A reference numeral 1712 is a buttonon the screen for generating an alarming sound from the speaker of thenetworked camera. A reference numeral 1713 is a button on the screen,for use in an optical alarming, such as, a red-color rotary lamp and/ora flash, etc. An operator is able to make a report when a suspicioussituation occurs on the picture displayed on the screen, by using thosebuttons 1711 to 1713.

[0062]FIG. 18 is an explanatory view, wherein an image is newly producedwith using the pictures of the networked camera, which applies afish-eye lens or the like, therein. Reference numerals 1821 to 1824 areexamples of the backgrounds, which can be viewed when walk is takenalong an arrow, wherein a straight line corresponds to a field ofvision. In this instance, when producing the background, which can beseen when moving in a direction of the arrow, for example, with usingthe networked cameras 1801 and 1802, the backgrounds 1821 and 1822, forexample, can be produced by deforming the image or picture taken by thenetworked camera 1802. Also the backgrounds 1823 can be produced bymeans of the networked camera 1802, however since the image is expectedto be roughened, the backgrounds 1823 and 1824 are produced with usingthe networked camera 1801 locating in the vicinity thereof, much more.With producing an image cut out vertically on a passageway in thismanner, thereby distributing it to the networked monitor, it is possibleto give an image of walking. In the similar manner, regardless thevertical, with composing and processing the images or pictures of theplural number of networked cameras, the networked monitor can show animage of moving in the vicinity of the networked cameras.

[0063]FIG. 19 is a view for showing mapping of the locations of thenetworked cameras on a map. Each circle indicates the sensing region foreach the networked camera, a region other than 1931 shows a road, and adotted line the road but without taking width of the road into theconsideration. The roads are given with the road IDs, respectively, andthe position on the road can be identified from the road ID and the roadposition, by determining a starting point. Also, with holding a table ofinformation relating to connection between the roads, it is possible tosearch out all of the networked cameras within a range of 100 m upon thebasis of the position on a certain road, for example. With using this,for example, when wishing to take a walk from a point 1901 up to a point1902 with using the networked cameras, it is possible to take a walk,imaginarily, with using a remote controller attached with direction keysor the like thereon, applying the method shown in FIG. 18. In this case,the imaginarily existing position and the direction thereof may bedisplayed on the map, while displaying the image corresponding thereto.Also, it is possible to designate a route of the imaginary walk by meansof the road ID and the road position. For example, it is possible to usethe images, starting from the position 1921 on the road 1911, reachingto the position 1922 along the road 1911, and reaching to the point 1923by turning to the left onto the road 1912, for the imaginary walkmentioned previously.

[0064] Also, with using the monitoring of the object in common, it ispossible for the networked monitor to make a prediction on an approachof a suspicious person, by checking the image of the networked camera,on which the object does not enters into the sensing region, locating inthe vicinity of the object. With this, explanation will be given, inparticular, about an early alarming system of a suspicious person, byreferring to FIG. 20. A reference numeral 2001 indicates an object, and2002 the suspicious person. For example, it is assumed that themonitoring contract on the object includes all of the networked camerasinto the monitoring object, from the networked camera nearest to theobject up to that of a hop number 2. Herein, the hop number means adistance from a networked camera of a reference, counting the networkedcamera by one (1), i.e., the networked camera of the reference has “0”in the hop number, the neighboring one “1”, and the further neighboringone “2”. In this FIG. 20, a reference numeral 2012 is the networkedcamera of the reference, 2012 and 2014 are the cameras of the hop number1, and 2011, 2015 and 2016 are the cameras of the hop number 2,respectively. With the monitoring contact of the hop number 2, all thenetworked cameras 2011 to 2016 are the cameras of the monitoring object,but those from 2021 to 2024 are out of the monitoring object. In thisinstance, if assuming that the networked monitor confirms that thesuspicious person appears on the networked camera 2016, the networkedmonitor conducts the operation of transferring an alarm to the object2001 upon the basis of the monitoring contract. For example, it can givea report to a mobile telephone of the object 2001, or generate voices orflash a light, or alternately, sound a siren on the networked camera2014 nearest to the suspicious person. With this, the object is able toescape from a danger, in advance.

[0065]FIG. 21 shows a flowchart for recording of the monitoring image orpictures with using the storage. In a step 2110, a recording contractfor the monitoring pictures is made between the object, the storage, anda record viewer (2111, 2112, 2113). The recording contract means, suchas, a contract of recording all or a portion of the pictures when theobject enters into the sensing region, or recording the pictures in acertain area, etc., for example. The object produces the storageinformation upon the basis of the recording contact. In the storageinformation means are described information for the connection, such as,the URL or the password of the storage, etc., for example, and acondition for the networked camera to transmit the images to thestorage, etc. The condition for transmitting to the storage includestherein, such as, a case where the location of the networked camera isindicted by the specific zip code or an area, for example. The storagerecords only the pictures based on the recording contact. The recordviewer is a terminal being able to receive the pictures, which thestorage records therein, such as, the images obtained based on therecording contract from the storage, and it may be the same to theobject. For example, when applying the present method into a travelingreport, the object is the same to the record viewer, in general. In astep 2120, the position of the object is detected (2121, 2122). Forexample, when the object enters into the sensing region of the networkedcamera, the networked camera detects the object. The object can know theposition of itself, with being informed thereof by the networked camera.In this instance, it is out of the area of the recording contract, theprocess does not proceed into a next step. In a step 2130, the objecttransmits a storage process to the networked camera (2131). The storageprocess means information, such as, the URL and/or the password, beingnecessary for the networked camera to distribute the images to thestorage, for example. The networked camera distributes the images to thestorage upon the basis of the storage process (2141). In this instance,the networked camera may deliver the password, etc., to the storage,upon the basis of the storage process. Upon receipt of the images, thestorage stores them into a recording medium, such as, a memory, a harddisk, an optical disc, etc., for example (2142). In a step 2150, thestorage edits the pictures stored therein (2151). A method for editingincludes compression of the picture by extracting thereof, and all otherprocesses for processing the pictures, so as to be seen, easily. In astep 2160, the record viewer requests the picture to the storage (2161),and then the storage compares the request of the record viewer to therecording contract, thereby allowing the distribution of the pictures ifthe recording contract permits to distribute it to the record viewer(2162), and then executes a next step. In a step 2170, the storagetransmits the pictures (2171), and the record viewer receives thepictures (2172). Up to the above, all of the flows end. However, any oneof the steps may be operated in non-synchronism with, or any one of thesteps may be operated, repetitively.

[0066]FIG. 22 shows a flowchart for making communication between theobjects, with using the networked cameras. With the present flowchart,explanation will be given on a case where an object 2201 startscommunication to an object 2203. It is assumed that the object 2201enters into the sensing region of a networked camera 2201 when itconducts the communication. In the similar manner, it is assumed thatthe object 2203 enters into the sensing region of a networked camera2204 when it conducts the communication. In a step 2210, the networkedcamera registers the networked camera information into the index server(2211 to 2213). The present step is an operation to be conducted whensetting up and/or restarting the networked camera, and it may be omittedwhen the networked camera information is already registered in the indexserver. In a step 2220, the networked camera detects the position of theobject (2221 to 2224). In a step 2230, the networked camera registersthe position information of the object into the index server (2231 to2233). The steps 2220 and 2230 are for preparation of making a search onthe object, and if the networked camera is changed for use in thecommunication accompanying with movement of the object, the steps 2220and 2230 are conducted, repetitively. In a step 2240, the objectconducting the communication is searched out with using the index server(2241, 2242). In this instance, the keyword for search is an ID and/or aname of the object, for example. In a step 2250, information forconnection to the object 2203 is transmitted when the objectcorresponding thereto can be found in the index server (2251). Theinformation for connection is the URL, etc., for example. Upon receiptof the information for connection (2252), the object starts a next step.In a step 2260, the object 2201 requests connection to the object 2201,with using the information for connection (2261). The object 2203 allowsthe connection when a user operation or an automatic response is turnedinto “ON”, or when setting up is made so as to allow the connection ofthe object generating the connection request there from (2262). In astep 2270, the connecting methods are exchanged between the objects(2271, 2272). Exchange of the connecting methods means the exchange onthe methods for communicating the pictures through the networkedcameras; such as, the URL, a speed of circuits, a desired resolutionpower, etc., are exchanged, for example. In a step 2280, setting up ismade for communicating the pictures to the networked cameras with usingthe connecting method (2281 to 2284). In a step 2290, while taking thepicture of the object 2201, the networked camera 2202 distributes thepictures to the object 2203 (2291). While taking the picture of theobject 2201, the networked camera 2204 distributes the pictures to theobject 2203 (2293). Upon receipt of the images, the object 2201 conductsreproduction/display thereof. In the similar manner, the object 2203conducts reproduction/display thereof. However, any one of the steps maybe operated in non-synchronism with, or any one of the steps may beoperated, repetitively.

[0067]FIG. 23 is an explanatory view for an accounting model in thepresent system. In a case where the object 2301 concludes to enter intothe monitoring contract with a networked monitor 2304, such as, thatshown by the example of 1201 to 1205, the object 2301 pays a monitoringcontract fee 2311 to the networked monitor 2304. Also, when using theindex server for the communication, the object 2301 pays a fee forregistration or an entrance fee 2312 to the index server. And also, whenconcluding to enter into the recording contract with the storage 2305,as shown by 2111 to 2113, the object 2301 pays the recording contact fee2313 to the storage. The index server 2302 may pay a portion of theaccounting income 2312 or 2341 to the networked camera 2303, as a rentalfee, for example. The networked camera 2303 may pay a storage rental fee2331, for reservation of the monitoring pictures, etc., to the storage2305. Also, when concluding into such the monitoring contract with thenetworked monitor 2304, as shown by 921 and 922, the networked camera2303 pays the monitoring contract fee 2332. The networked monitor 2304may pay a portion of the accounting income 2311 or 2332 to the indexserver, as a rental fee, for example. Or, the networked monitor 2304 maypay a viewing fee 2342 to the storage 2305, for viewing the monitoringimages stored therein.

[0068] Next, explanation will be given on the monitoring by means ofsuch the plural number of networked monitors, as shown in FIG. 16. In acase reference numerals 1611 and 1612 are in the same company or in aform similar thereto, for example, where 1611 is a networked monitor ofa low cost or of being operated by a worker of low wages, while 1612 anetworked monitor of a high cost or of being operated by a worker ofhigh wages, division of works can be made. In this instance, only withthe monitoring on the monitor 1611, there is a possibility that anaccuracy is low, for example, when deciding to be the crime or not,however in the case where the monitoring contact is made to be by themonitor 1611, then the monitor 1611 conducts the report. On a while,when conducting the monitoring with using the monitor 1612, too, themonitor 1611 requires the monitoring or the decision on the situation tothe monitor 1612. With this, it is possible to made a decision beingmuch higher in the accuracy thereof. With high or low in the accuracy,for example, in the case where a worker is an networked monitor, wholives in a culture area different from that of the object, there is highpossibility of misunderstanding even a non-criminal situation to be thecriminal one, due to the difference of the culture and customs,comparing to the worker who lives in the culture area being same to thatof the object. In this case, it can be said that, the former is low inthe accuracy, while the latter high in the accuracy thereof. Also, evenwithin the same culture area, there is a possibility that a differenceis caused in the accuracy, in the similar manner, due to an attitude ofwork and/or experiences of the worker. In this manner, when using thenetworked monitor being high in the accuracy thereof, there can belisted up various methods for accounting, such as, accountingperiodically under the contact by introducing it therein in advance, avalue-controlled system for accounting when using the networked monitorof high accuracy, etc. With the value-controlled system, the accountingcan be made by a fact that the networked monitor causes a warning to theobject.

[0069] Next, explanation will be given on a case where the presentsystem is changed into a pair-to-pair system. In FIG. 1, if a platformsoftware is installed onto the networked camera and the networkedmonitor, which uses a decentralization technology therein, for example,when information and data and programs corresponding to the functions,which the index server holds, are held by the networked camera and thenetworked monitor, distributedly, although comprising only the networkedcamera and the networked monitor as the apparatuses thereof, the indexserver is unnecessary as the apparatus. In this case, the constructionof 101 to 103 can be obtained only by either one of the camera 101 andthe monitor 103, and it is the equivalent to that comprising theelements 100 to 103 shown in FIG. 1. In the similar manner, it is alsopossible to use the networked camera and the networked monitor, and/orthe index server, etc., as the storage.

[0070]FIG. 24 is an explanatory view for the structure having a neighborinformation holder device in the networked camera.

[0071] A reference numeral 2400 has the similar functions of those 100to 104 shown in FIG. 1, and further a neighbor information holder device2411 is added thereto. The neighbor information holder device is anetworked camera locating near to the networked camera 2401, i.e., adevice for holding networked camera information relating to the camera2401. For example, the information of the cameras located within 100 mfrom the camera 2401, and/or the information of the cameras, existing onthe road, to which the camera 2401 belongs, and locating within 200 mfrom the camera 2401 by a distance measured on a route of the road. Theneighbor information holder device can provide information of thecameras neighboring therewith responding to a request of the networkedmonitor, etc. The information of the cameras includes the URL and thepassword for connecting to the cameras.

[0072]FIG. 25 is a flowchart for explaining the monitoring in thestructure having the neighbor information holder device in the networkedcamera thereof. When the processing is started, the networked monitorselects one desiring the monitoring from the connection information(2501). Under the initial condition, it may be either the connectioninformation, which is searched out with using the index server, theconnection information, which is searched out with using the distributedindex server held by the networked monitor, or the connectioninformation, which is transmitted through the object. In thisprocessing, the position information may be transmitted to the ordinaryindex server or the distributed index server, thereby obtaining the URLof the camera corresponding thereto. Or, the object may transmit the URLof the object and the URL of the networked monitor to the nearestnetworked camera, and the said networked camera transmits the URL of itself to the URL of the said networked monitor, thereby producing theconnection information. When selecting the connection informationdesiring the monitoring, next the networked monitor transmits theconnection request (2502). The transmission destination of theconnection request is the selected connection information in the step2501. The present example is a case where the connection is made to thenetworked camera A, at first. The networked monitor transmits theconnection request, and the networked camera received the connectionrequest (2511). In the connection request are included information ofwhich kind of image is required, and information for identifying theplace and/or the road name/position on the road, etc. Upon receipt ofthe connection request, the networked camera A determines if it canfulfill the connection request or not (2512). When deciding to fulfillthe connection request, the networked camera A distributes the images(2513). The networked monitor receives the images distributed (2503).The networked monitor displays the images received (2504), and then itdetermines if requesting he next image or not (2505). The step 2505 maybe requested automatically, after passing a constant time period byusing a timer, for example. Or, it may be requested upon the fact that auser who uses the networked monitor designates the place for monitoring.Or, when the other networked camera captures the object due to themovement of the object, the object may notice to the networked monitorvia the said networked camera, thereby making a request upon the saidnotice. If the connection request cannot be fulfilled in the step 2512,other cameras neighboring thereto are searched (2514). Herein, theneighboring means, not only on geography, but also includes a case whereit has a relation therewith in a sense of information. For example, itmay be a relation of a camera having high frequency of use by othernetworked monitors. In this case, the networked monitor can receive theimages of the camera, continuously, which are referred much from theother networked monitors. Also, the steps 2513 and 2514 may be conductedat the same time. For example, when the image of a certain position isrequired from the networked monitor, and if the monitoring areas of theplural number of cameras overlap each other, it may be possible that,first search is made on the camera in vicinity in the step 2514, andthen, the selection is made on the most suitable camera in the step2512. In a case where the networked camera results to be connected withthe networked camera other than the networked camera A, with thoseprocesses, the URL of the corresponding networked camera is transmittedto the networked monitor (2515). When receiving the neighboring camerainformation in the step 2501 for selecting the connection information,the networked monitor can select the networked camera to be connectednext from a list of the networked cameras included in the neighboringcamera information received. If there is one (1) networked cameraincluded in the neighboring camera information, there is no necessity tomake the selection. For example, in the case of the neighboring camerainformation, being constructed with a list of the information of thenetworked cameras including the position information therein, thenetworked monitor can select the networked monitor nearest from theposition designated on the terminal of the networked monitor. Afterselecting the networked camera to be connected, the networked monitortransmits the connection request to the said networked camera (2502). Inthe present example, it is connected to the networked camera B. Uponreceipt of the connection request (2521), the networked camera Bdetermine a region of the request (2522). Hereinafter, it operates inthe similar manner to that explained in the networked camera A.

[0073] However, in the present example, thought the index server is notused, but except for the case of selecting the connection information ofthe networked camera at first, but the index server may be used alsowhen searching the neighboring cameras, or when selecting the connectioninformation, etc. Also, the transmission of the connection request inthe step 2502 should not be made every time, but the networked camera Amay deliver the connection request directly to the networked camera tobe connected next in the step 2515. In this case, after delivering therequest of the image once, the networked monitor can distribute theimages, in a manner of relaying between the networked cameras. In thiscase, the connection request may be a condition, such as, moving at aspeed 40 Km per hour on a national road No. 1 from a starting point A,and so on, for example.

[0074]FIG. 26 shows an example of the information table, which is heldin the neighboring information device. Those are same information, whichare held by the index server. As a method for producing the presentinformation table, the followings can be listed up: such as, theinformation of the vicinity thereof is collected with using the indexserver, so as to produce it; or it is produced by registering theinformation into either one or both of the terminals if a terminal liesin vicinity, while broadcasting the position information of itself,thereby to determine the terminal receiving thereof is in neighbor ornot; or it may be produced by registering the terminal to be inneighbor, which can be connected directly with using an infrared raycommunication or a short-range communication, etc.

[0075]FIG. 27 shows an example of an information table held in aneighbor information holder device. The present information tableindicates, to which camera the networked monitor is connected, next,connecting to the networked camera holding the said neighbor informationholder device. A reference numeral 2701 indicates a camera, which isconnected next, 2702 times of being connected, and 2703 the URL. Withthose, it is possible to connect to the camera, which is connected inmost commonly, easily.

[0076] With those embodiments mentioned above, the networked cameras canbe set up easily, and it can be achieved by providing the index server.Further, with connecting the networked cameras and the networkedmonitors each other, but not via the index server, it is possible reducethe load of the server. Therefore, it is possible to provide thenetworked monitoring system and the monitoring method, being high instability and immediacy, but without taking costs for the systemconstruction, thereby enabling everyone to use easily.

[0077] The invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Thepresent embodiment(s) is/are therefore to be considered in all respectsas illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention beingindicated by the appended claims rather than by the forgoing descriptionand range of equivalency of the claims are therefore to be embracestherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A networked camera system, comprising: a pluralnumber of networked cameras; a networked monitor; an index server; and anetwork, wherein said cameras, said monitor and said server areconnected, respectively, through said network, for monitoring a picturetransmitted from said networked camera on said networked monitor, andwherein each of said networked cameras comprises: a memory formemorizing networked camera information for discriminating the networkedcameras, respectively; an image pickup element for picking up thepicture; and a transmitter for transmitting said picture picked-up tosaid networked monitor upon receipt of a connection request from saidnetworked monitor, said index server comprises: a register forregistering the networked camera information of each of said networkedcameras; a search unit for searching connection information to thenetworked camera corresponding thereto, depending upon a monitoringobject transmitted from said networked monitor, with using the networkedcamera information registered in said register; and a transmitter fortransmitting said connection information searched to said networkedmonitor, said networked monitor comprises: a transmitter fortransmitting said monitoring object to said index server; a connectionrequest unit for connecting to a predetermined networked camera andrequesting the picture picked-up, upon basis of the connectioninformation transmitted from said index server; and a display fordisplaying the picture transmitted from said networked camera thereon,and said networked camera and said networked monitor transmits thepicture picked-up through connection to each other.
 2. The networkedcamera system, as described in the claim 1, further comprising astorage, being connected through said network, wherein said storagecomprises a storage unit for storing monitor pictures transmitted fromsaid networked camera, and a transmitter for transmitting said monitorpicture upon a transmission request from said networked monitor.
 3. Thenetworked camera system, as described in the claim 1, wherein saidnetworked camera information includes at least one of an ID of saidnetworked camera, position information with using a latitude and alongitude, an ID of a road, on which said networked camera is provided,a distance from a reference point of the road, on which said networkedcamera is provided, and a network address of said networked camera. 4.The networked camera system, as described in the claim 1, wherein saidregister registers network address and position information of saidnetworked camera relating therewith, when registering said networkedcamera information therein.
 5. The networked camera system, as describedin the claim 1, wherein said networked monitor comprises a controllerfor controlling destination of connection by said connection requestingunit.
 6. The networked camera system, as described in the claim 5,wherein said networked camera has a detector for detecting an object asbeing a monitoring target, and said controller of said networked monitorcontrols, so as to receive the monitor picture from said networkedcamera picking-up the object, which is detected by said detector.
 7. Thenetworked camera system, as described in the claim 6, wherein saidobject comprises a unit to be detected by said detector.
 8. Thenetworked camera system, as described in the claim 7, wherein saiddetector of said networked camera is a sensor for generating radiowaves, and said unit to be detected of said object comprises a unit forgenerating radio waves for response when detecting said radio wave. 9.The networked camera system, as described in the claim 8, wherein saiddetector receives latitude and longitude information from a systemenabling measurement of the latitude and the longitude, and transmitssaid latitude and longitude information to said index server or saidnetworked camera, thereby using it as a function of a sensor throughdetecting that it is within a region of the latitude and the longitude,which said network camera sets.
 10. The networked camera system, asdescribed in the claim 5, wherein said register registers an ID of saidobject and an ID of the networked camera, which captures said object onthe sensor thereof.
 11. The networked camera system, as described in theclaim 1, wherein said networked monitor transmits said connectioninformation to other networked monitor, and the other networked monitormakes a connection request to the networked camera having saidconnection information, to receive the monitor picture from saidnetworked camera, thereby conducting exchanging control between saidplural number of networked monitors.
 12. The networked camera system, asdescribed in the claim 1, wherein said networked monitor comprises aguidance display unit for displaying a guidance of mapping locations ofsaid networked cameras on a map.
 13. The networked camera system, asdescribed in the claim 1, wherein networked monitor comprises anexchanger, and said exchanger exchanges destination of distribution ofthe monitor picture from said networked camera to other networkedmonitor.
 14. The networked camera system, as described in the claim 1,further comprising an accounting unit for allowing said networkedmonitor to account onto said object, upon basis of fact that the objectbeing the monitoring target concludes to enter into a contract to bemonitored between said networked monitor.
 15. The networked camerasystem, as described in the claim 2, wherein said storage is constructedto be located in said networked camera and said networked monitordispersedly.
 16. A networked camera system, comprising: a plural numberof networked cameras; a networked monitor; an index server; and anetwork, wherein said cameras, said monitor and said server areconnected, respectively, through said network, for monitoring a picturetransmitted from said networked camera on said networked monitor, andwherein each of said networked cameras has networked camera informationfor discriminating said networked cameras, respectively, and networkedcamera information of other networked camera, and comprises: an imagepickup element for picking up the picture; a first search unit forsearching connection information of requiring monitor from the networkedcamera information of said other networked camera upon receipt of arequest of said networked monitor; and a transmitter for transmittingsaid picked-up monitor picture and the connection information searchedout by means of said first search unit, to said networked monitor, uponreceipt of a request from said networked monitor, said index servercomprises: a register for registering the networked camera informationof each of said networked cameras; a second search unit for searchingconnection information to the networked camera corresponding to therequest of said networked monitor from said networked camera informationregistered; and a transmitter for transmitting said connectioninformation searched to said networked monitor, said networked monitorcomprises: a transmitter for transmitting said monitoring object to saidindex server; a connection request unit for connecting to a networkedcamera, to which a use requires monitoring, from the connectioninformation transmitted from said index server or the connectioninformation transmitted from said networked camera, thereby requesting amonitor picture thereto; a controller unit for controlling destinationof connection by said connection request unit; and a display fordisplaying the monitor picture transmitted from said networked camerathereon, and said networked camera and said networked monitor transmitsthe picture picked-up through connection to each other, and exchange tothe networked camera requiring the monitoring is conducted by said firstsearch unit and said transmitter of said networked camera.
 17. Thenetworked camera system as described in the claim 1, wherein saidnetworked camera and said networked monitor conduct transmission of themonitor picture through mutual connection therebetween, without passingthrough the index server.
 18. The networked camera system as describedin the claim 16, wherein said networked camera and said networkedmonitor conduct transmission of the monitor picture through mutualconnection therebetween, without passing through the index server. 19.The networked camera system as described in the claim 1, wherein saidsearch unit calculates the monitoring target transmitted from saidnetworked monitor, from the networked camera information registered insaid register, thereby searching out the connection information from thecalculation result.
 20. A monitoring method comprising the followingsteps of: a step for connecting a networked camera, having a unit forsetting networked camera information and a unit for picking up a monitorpicture therein, to a network; a step for registering said networkedcamera information to an index server, which is connected to saidnetwork; a step for designating a monitoring region desired to thenetworked monitor connected to said network; a step for transmitting themonitoring region designated from said networked monitor to said indexserver; a step for searching the networked camera information upon basisof said monitoring region received, from the networked camerainformation registered, in said index server; a step for transmittingsaid networked camera information searched to said networked monitor; astep for selecting the networked camera information of the networkedcamera, to which the monitoring is required, from the networked camerainformation received by said networked monitor; a step for transmittinga connection request from said networked monitor to the networked camerahaving said networked camera information selected; a step fortransmitting the monitor picture, from the networked camera, on whichsaid connection request is made, without passing through the indexserver, to the networked monitor connected to each other; and a step fordisplaying the monitor picture received on said networked monitor.